Inspired by the Kamasutra: Exclusive hand-carved furniture created by Indonesian craftsmen

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

It is impossible to find a state on the globe that does not have its own age-old national traditions and culture. Today we will talk about Indonesia - an unusually exotic country, for the right to rule over which Holland, Portugal, and the Netherlands fought for several centuries. The main reason was the raw materials for spices grown on the Indonesian islands, which were worth their weight in gold in the 16-19 centuries. And today this country is famous for its craftsmen who create ingenious creations from wood, which in the world market have a considerable, and sometimes fabulous, value.

Indonesia has recently become a unified state. Until that time, many kingdoms and principalities existed on the numerous islands, and their inhabitants were Javanese, Balinese, Malays, Boogie and other small groups of nationalities.

Religion played an important role in the development of the state and its culture. The ancient cult of ancestors was gradually replaced by Buddhism, and over time by Islam. Therefore, the unique religion of the living Indonesians is called mythical Islam, where the worship of Allah is closely intertwined with the beliefs of the islanders in the god Shiva and the worship of ancestral spirits.

And this is probably why almost every village of the paradise islands has its own cultural traditions and national craft. The island of Bali, for example, is famous for its paintings, wood carvings and jewelry, Tohbati is famous for its unique batik, and in Cheluk, the local population trades in black pearls and jewelry made from it. Pottery and the art of weaving rattan furniture are also highly developed on the islands. In the motives of Indonesian culture, animal figurines are very common.

However, the most common Indonesian craft is hand carving: from souvenir wooden figurines of all sizes from tropical or mahogany to exclusive carved furniture that amazes the imagination with its grandeur and extraordinary beauty.

The art of carving in Indonesia has a very deep sacred essence. Therefore, before starting work, the master performs a traditional rite that has come down to our time from the depths of centuries. And only having received "permission" from above to create this or that creation, the master starts to work. This is probably why all the works created by Indonesian craftsmen from wood carry the uniqueness, the warmth of human hands and the most powerful energy.

I would like to note that the art of wood carving on the island of Bali is taught to boys from early childhood in art schools, which are more than enough here. And also the subtleties and secrets of the craft, as well as tools and drawings-drawings in families are passed on from generation to generation.

Carved furniture by Roni Rony

Sometimes you are very surprised at what a person's hands are capable of, his dedication and desire to surpass himself. Today we invite you to get acquainted with the works of the wonderful Indonesian master Roni Rony, who manually creates delightful carved furniture, worthy of becoming an adornment of the palaces of monarchs and the residences of presidents.

Looking at the work of the master, one can only guess what strength the carver has in his hands, what an accurate eye gauge, unusually artistic taste, and, of course, enviable skill.

Although in our age of high technologies there are already many tools, special machines and devices for carving, Roni Rony, observing the ancient traditions of its ancestors, uses only a set of chisels and wood cutters.

Most often, the master uses tropical acacia in his work, since it is more malleable, and it is easier to work with it. Mahogany products are usually tinted in dark shades of brown, and tropical oak in golden brown.

The Indonesian makes magnificent exclusive furniture, wood products - beds, sofas, armchairs, chairs with carved backs, chic chests of drawers and bedside tables. And despite their huge cost, the master's creations are in demand and are in great demand.

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